Powering the future: Inside Nuclear Power Ghana’s strategic vision

Ghana’s bold step toward nuclear energy is gaining momentum under the guidance of visionary engineers and managers at Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG). Key among them is Ing. Andrew Tetteh Ashong, Manager of the Project Management Department, who has outlined the strategic operations driving the country’s first nuclear power initiative. Joining the conversation, Alexander Agyenim Boateng, Acting Manager of the Engineering Department, shed light on the groundwork for the plant’s site selection.

Upholding global standards with IAEA guidelines

Ing. Ashong emphasized the centrality of adhering to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards in all aspects of NPG’s operations. These international guidelines ensure that the project aligns with global nuclear safety and management benchmarks, reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to responsible and transparent nuclear energy development.

Coordinating nuclear Power Ghana’s activities

A critical role of the Project Management Department is coordinating the diverse activities of NPG, from planning to implementation. This coordination ensures that each aspect of the project—technical, legal, and operational—moves forward in harmony, reducing bottlenecks and promoting seamless collaboration across departments.

Establishing integrated management systems

To streamline and unify operations, NPG is deploying integrated management systems (IMS) that tie strategy to action. According to Ing. Ashong, these systems encompass not just technical frameworks but also extend to law, policy, human resources, recruitment procedures, and operational standards—laying a strong foundation for the long-term success of Ghana’s nuclear programme.

Managing information with precision

Information management is crucial in a sensitive sector like nuclear energy. Ing. Ashong highlighted the department’s role in differentiating and handling confidential and non-confidential information with precision. Ensuring that data is managed securely and in compliance with IAEA guidelines is a cornerstone of operational integrity at NPG.

Documentary control and process integrity

Closely related is documentary control, which ensures that all project documents—technical manuals, legal files, correspondence—are kept accurate, up-to-date, and readily available for audits or reviews. This process is essential for maintaining traceability and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.

Supporting procurement and IT infrastructure

The Project Management Department also oversees procurement activities, ensuring that all goods and services acquired meet project specifications and timelines. In parallel, IT support services are being strengthened to enhance data management, digital communications, and cyber security—key components in a modern nuclear infrastructure.

Keeping projects on budget and within scope

A cornerstone of project management at NPG is ensuring that costs and scope remain on track. Ashong noted that constant monitoring and evaluation are employed to avoid scope creep and budget overruns. Adherence to these controls ensures the project remains financially viable and logistically feasible.

Departmental goals and executive reporting

Each department at NPG has set performance targets, and the Project Management team is no exception. Ing. Ashong’s team is responsible for tracking these goals and reporting progress directly to the Executive Director of NPG. This systematic approach enhances transparency and allows for timely course correction where necessary.

Engineering the future: Selecting Ghana’s first nuclear site

Speaking on the engineering side of operations, Alexander Agyenim Boateng revealed that the department has conducted extensive surveys for site selection. These surveys involved both qualitative and quantitative analysis to rank sites suitable for Ghana’s first nuclear power plant, marking a significant milestone ahead of the anticipated construction phase.

Environmental and technical studies underway

Boateng also disclosed that the engineering team has embarked on detailed design parameter studies and a basic environmental impact assessment. These studies are essential to ensure that the nuclear plant is not only technically feasible but also environmentally sustainable.

Homegrown talent powering the vision

A point of pride for NPG is that all personnel in the engineering department are Ghanaians. This reflects a commitment to capacity building and local expertise development, ensuring that the project benefits the national workforce and strengthens Ghana’s technological sovereignty.

As Ghana moves toward establishing its first nuclear power plant, the combined efforts of dedicated professionals like Ing. Ashong and Mr. Boateng are laying a firm foundation for a secure, sustainable energy future.